mccain was here saying he thinks we would be approved. he wouldn't vote for him but he would be approved. the upshot being that what happens is most nominees withdraw. they say it's not worth it and to save further embarsment they go quietly into the night, would he? >> one of two things, either he'll withdraw -- maybe the white house says this is also a distraction from the president's mission. we think it's a good idea if you withdraw. if he does, there are two candidates behind him. number two at the defense department, ash carter and michelle flowknow. both very well respected. say he does get confirmed. he's a weak secretary of defense. he's going to have two major jobs that the president wants him to do. one, cut defense and deal with the united states military, deal with the generals. make sure they're onboard and, number two, go up to capitol hill and let the congressmen and senators know we may cut a base in your district, we may shut down an assembly line but we want you to go where it. you have a weak secretary of defense who m